Monday, 30 September 2013

After their passionate, heated weekend at the Cunningham estate, Lily and Calder have decided to take their relationship to the next level. But love in the real world isn’t all fun and games—especially when it becomes clear that Calder still harbors his share of secrets.

When Calder suggests they hold off on sex for a while, Lily knows something is seriously wrong—and she’s not afraid to pull out the big guns. She makes Calder a proposal he can’t refuse: an ongoing match of Truth or Dare that she hopes will bring them closer together both physically and emotionally.

But as the contest increases in intensity, so do the stakes, and suddenly Lily and Calder have to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what sort of relationship do they have when they strip away all the games?

I wake sometime in the night. The room is still pitch black, and it takes me a moment to recognize the source of the heat wrapped around me. When I do—when I remember that Calder is here and recall the circumstances of his arrival—the emotions hit me in waves: my initial pleasure at his nearness is followed quickly by shame and utter disgust with myself.

I’m an idiot.

I acted like some sort of bratty, immature teenager. And for what? There’s no way this evening fixed anything between me and Calder. And it certainly didn’t make things any easier for him. I’d be shocked if it didn’t make things worse.

But maybe I’m sobering up a little because the reasonable part of my mind seems to be regaining some traction.

So you had a few too many drinks, it reminds me. So what? Yeah, so you drunk-texted your ex. You got sick all over the bathroom. You’re not the first person to get sloshed and stupid, and you won’t be the last. Tomorrow you’ll get up, pop a couple more aspirin, and laugh it off.

Easier said than done, of course.

I roll over so that I’m face to face with Calder. The movement makes my head spin, but I ignore the throbbing in my temples. I want to look at him.

I’ve never just slept with him—literally slept, I mean. Once, back at his estate, we spent the night in his bed, but we didn’t really do much sleeping. Somehow, this feels more intimate.

He’s beautiful when he sleeps. There’s just enough moonlight peeking in around the curtain for me to make out his features—his strong jaw, his square chin, his straight nose. He looks peaceful, but even in his slumber there’s still tension around his mouth. I reach out and touch him gently at the corner where his lips meet, wishing I could just massage it all away.

He stirs, making a small sound. Without waking, he draws me closer, holds me against his chest. It’s too hot, and I can hardly breathe, but I don’t care. I press my lips against his heated skin, turn my face so my ear is right over his heart. His dusting of chest hair tickles my cheek, but I reach my arm around him and hold myself there. My fingers trace his spine, and I allow myself to breathe him in.

After a time, he moves again. He’s no longer asleep, I realize suddenly, but I have no idea when he woke. He reaches up and threads his fingers through my hair. I didn’t brush it after the shower, so it’s probably full of tangles, but he doesn’t seem to care. He doesn’t say anything. He just strokes my hair, again and again, until I fall back to sleep.

Our Review

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 Stars

Calder, Calder, Calder, how I have missed you!! This book is the sequel to His Wicked Games and picks up 3 weeks after the conclusion of that book. Lily is back at work and Calder is off dealing with whatever it is he is dealing with (he is still being secretive).

Now outside of the estate will Calder and Lily be able to have a “normal” relationship? Despite all the secrets that Calder holds will Lily be able to discover the true “Calder Cunningham,” what will Lily have to do to peek at the cards that he holds so tightly to his chest. The secrets are not all one sided though…Lily is still reluctant to tell her father who the “new man” is in her life. She fears that he will not be accepted because of what happened with the pledges when the Cunningham Estate went to the wall.

The press are still out in force trying to get the scoop on what has happened. The rumour mill is in overdrive and Calder’s name is being sullied left, right and centre. Lily cannot defend him as people are still unaware of their relationship. Lily also feels that she still doesn’t know anything about Calder, she therefore plays him at his own game and starts a game of “Truth or Dare” to try and get him to open up and maybe just maybe she can shed some light on this mysterious man.

The games were a hoot!! Initially Calder does not play along and plays safe but eventually they open up to each other and Ember writes some seriously smoking scenes, who knew that a game of Truth or Dare could be so highly amusing, stimulating and seriously hot! They are both playing hardball during this book and it really makes for some highly entertaining reading.

When Calder “forgets” about what is going on with regards to his father and the estate, we get glimpses of the true Calder and he is a man that you cannot help but fall in love with. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders, but those little sneak peeks you get make you melt.

“But please, I don’t want to drag you into this. You are – you are the only thing keeping me together. The one perfect, beautiful thing in my life right now. The only thing set apart from all this bullshit. I need that, please, Lily, I need that. I need you.”

Like the first book, I was seriously rooting for this couple all the way through. I felt that they brought out the best in each other and truly deserved happiness, together! Ember Casey once again takes you on a journey that you don’t want to finish and the kindle was firmly gripped in my hands until the end, I could not put it down. I wanted to see if they got the HEA they so richly deserved and thoroughly enjoyed the ride to the end.

For a new author, Ember has a great way of you drawing you in, this book will make you laugh and cry, whilst taking you down a road full of plot twists and turns, angst, drama, love, romance and smexy times. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and cannot wait to see what comes next from this author.

Ember Casey is a twenty-something writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia in a den of iniquity (or so she likes to tell people). When she's not writing steamy romances, you can find her whipping up baked goods (usually of the chocolate variety), traveling (her bucket list is infinite), or generally causing trouble (because somebody has to do it). She is the author of HIS WICKED GAMES and TRUTH OR DARE.

Sunday, 29 September 2013

“I did know with certainty that life is full of bad people, broken people, sad people, betrayed people, twisted people, and people with secrets and scars the world never sees. Yet, it is also full of people who love each other. People who are happy.”

This book really makes you realise that “money cannot buy you happiness”. Nora should be happy, everything on paper says she should be super super happy, but alas she isn’t. She is absolutely stunning, her parents are really wealthy, she has a wardrobe to rival any super model, she is super clever and she is a well accomplished pianist, she has won beauty pageants, countless spelling bees and is the poster child for Briarcrest Academy, she was the PERFECT student. It was during the open day for Briarcrest that Nora was to give a speech to promote how brilliant Briarcrest really was, prospective students and parents were all present, it was during this, that Nora had an EPIC meltdown and this lead to nothing but trouble for Nora.

Deep down Nora was extremely unhappy. The pressure that her parents had put on her was truly ridiculous. Her mother didn’t really want a daughter, she wanted “the perfect child” to keep up with her reputation and appearances. It didn’t matter what Nora wanted, she had to wear what her mother wanted her to wear (or her mother’s wardrobe lady), she had to study and be top of her class no matter what, she did the beauty pageants for her mother, she did the spelling bees for her mother and yes, she learned the piano for her mother. It was never about what Nora wanted, just what her mother expected.

Her mother, urgggghhhh!! Don’t get me started on this pathetic excuse for a parent, at least her father grew some by the end and don’t even get me started on her brother Finn. From the minute he was mentioned, I just knew he was trouble!! The thing that amazed me in this, was that her parents were hardly home, she was basically living on her own. She had no real “family” so to speak, all she had was the pressure of being “perfect” in her mothers eyes and god help her if she ever deviated from her mothers plans. The only time she really saw her mother, was when she had an appointment!!!!!! “When I was four, I thought mother was a goddess. When I was fourteen, I knew she was a monster.”

After her major meltdown, Nora decides that she is going to change. She is going to be the bad girl, she is going to get drunk, get high and get laid! Can she really be happy being the bad girl? Will it change her? Will she be able to go through with it and the consequences? Is this the real “Nora?”

“He was my Prince Charming, but I wasn’t his Cinderella.”

During this very public meltdown on stage, Leo Tate and his brother Sebastian were in the crowd. Leo had recently moved to town with his little brother and was setting up a new gym. He wanted the best for Sebastian so was there to enrol him into Briarcrest. Leo had guardianship of his brother after his parents passed and takes his responsibilities incredibly seriously, he is older but after watching Nora on stage and the subsequent arguments in the car park, Leo was captivated by her. Their eyes were locked on one and other, neither of them could look away, all the while Nora’s mother launched her verbal tirade at her, she just looked at Leo. There was something about her that he couldn’t put his finger on, but he could not help but think about her. But would their paths ever cross again.

“Leo, when your eyes found mine that day, I got lost, and I didn’t want to look away. It was like the whole world vanished except for me and you. We connected somehow. It was an extraordinary moment, and it builds and builds every time we see each other.”

Their paths do cross, in fact, it is like a maze…it seems they were destined to know each other, but is it more? Can Leo change his life plan, of no love and no commitment, he cannot bear the thought of losing anyone he loves ever again, therefore the easiest solution is not to love. Can this rule be applied when you fall for someone that seems to be your soul mate? “Are you saying we’re soul mates…, that you’re in love with me?”

You will just have to read and see!!

“This is the truth: I’m done with you. I hope she makes you happy and –“ I swallowed. “Goodbye Leo.”

There are highs and lows, ups and downs, twist and turns…this book will make you laugh, cry, love, hate and go through every emotion possible. I could have slapped them both…A LOT!! They both have their insecurities and their problems and their histories, but I always truly believed that they belonged together.

I loved the side characters in this story, they were great. I loved the band and the way that Nora incorporated her piano skills into helping Teddy was heart warming. I loved the relationship that those two had.

“You never stop loving someone; you just learn to live without them.”

In summary, I couldn’t put this book down, I was hooked from the start. I loved Isla’s writing style, it was fluid and captivating. I believed the characters and fell in love with them. They all had their problems, but it is was fun reading how they all helped each other. There is a great moral to this story.

Saturday, 28 September 2013

“I thought I’d never be able to find another person I could love again. And then along comes this one, all mouth and no manners.”

I am loving my current foray into the world of M/M and this is one of those books that reminds me why! This book has it all, romance, humour, hot smexy times, passion, drama, suspense, and a totally captivating plot. It is not just a M/M romance book, the plot will keep you hooked, I could not put this book down! You will also go through every emotion possible, yes it was a tear jerker at times, you can’t help but fall in love with the characters and you cannot help but will them along the road that they are travelling. This book also covers some very “real” topics, homophobia being one of the most crucial and this leads to some very distressing scenes, but they are handled with care and really heighten the “realism” of this book.

Matty/Matthew is totally and utterly adorable, I fell in love with him right from the get go. He is not exactly in the best of places emotionally, even though it has been a few years he is still getting over the loss of his husband, he has not been able to have a relationship since, he still wears his wedding ring and their flat is still a bit of a shrine. He hates his job, he is a lawyer and works for the man that his father introduced him to. After his father passed away the job became his. The guy (Walter Debussy) is a total and utter prick, doesn’t help he is homophobic either, but Matty has been best friends with his son David for years and years and because of the ties with his father feels obliged to carry on his father’s work.

One night after David is brutally attacked and beaten, Walter is at the hospital and calls Matty in for some damage limitation exercise, it is whilst at the hospital that Matty meets Shane. Shane had been with David earlier that night, Shane was an escort. David had taken a call from his father and had visibly self destructed right before his eyes, feeling out of sorts he decided to go and check on his friend and found out about David’s attack. When Matty and Shane meet, sparks fly for Shane, he is overcome by his feelings and even Matty feels “something” but is not sure what he is dealing with. He has been so cut off emotionally he is extremely reserved and wary. Will Matty’s life ever be the same again?

“You drive me crazy. You’re bloody cheeky, you’re a maverick, and you never bloody listen to anyone. You do what you think is best, all the time…”

Shane, I LOVED this guy, he was awesome!! He is funny, he is cocky, wears his heart on his sleeve, is extremely foul mouthed but is an incredible computer hacker to boot. He also has his secrets and history, which do eventually come out, but he is just a totally amazing guy. You couldn’t help but fall in love with him. His one liners had me laughing hysterically and just his outlook on life and love was totally infectious.

“And this doesn’t help. I’ve had blue balls for days and I can’t even jerk off. My hand is too sore and my bad arm gets tired. Matty, when a man can’t jack off, it’s a bloody bad state of affairs.”

David’s attack is the catalyst for a string of events that soon push Matty and Shane together in more ways than one. It was an extremely emotional journey for both them. Matty had to learn to let go of the past and begin to live in the now and look forward to the future. Shane screws it up constantly, but his heart was always in the right place. Walter DeBussy creates no end of problems for all of them and the fight against Walter has some incredibly devastating results. But will this be the making or the ending of them?

“Christ, Matty, trust you to go all one-upmanship on me. I just tell you I love you, but you, you have to make a bloody poem out of it. A truly beautiful poem but still – “

In summary, I totally loved it. The writing style just pulled you in and I didn’t want it to finish. I could have read about them forever! I was dreading getting to the end because I just didn’t want to leave them behind. This is one of those books where the characters have left an everlasting impression in both my brain and heart. It will be one of those books that I can read again and again. My Goodreads status update was

Friday, 27 September 2013

Baby Series 'Lite' is the anniversary edition of last fall’s Baby Series by Andrea Smith.
These Lite editions have been condensed from the originals to accommodate those readers who prefer a shorter read. The essence of the story is the same, but its length has been edited and bonus chapters added on Book 2 and 3!

**Please note when reading the reviews they may contain spoilers to the previous books**

Book 1 ~ Maybe Baby 'Lite'

Book Description:

When college student Tylar Preston goes to work for the wealthy Sinclair family stables the summer of her senior year, she quickly meets with unexpected events and the disturbing unraveling of her past. Is her past destined to taint her future?

Pulling Tylar from unspeakable danger, Trey Sinclair, an arrogant high-powered attorney makes it his mission to protect the innocent and unworldly young woman from the dreams that haunt her. Spirited and independent, Tylar proves to be a challenge to the stubborn and unyielding young lawyer. Together their often bumpy journey weaves itself mysteriously, comically, passionately and erotically down a path that promises to engage and move the reader in this emotionally stirring story.

For anyone who has ever been in love or in lust, 'Maybe Baby Lite will stir those forgotten feelings of passion and emotion within you; making you ageless as you travel the romantic and erotic journey with Tylar and Trey unraveling the secrets of their past.

“My lips wanted him to kiss me, my heart wanted him to love me, and my hormones, well they were all about him spanking me at the moment.”

I read the original Maybe Baby many moons ago and absolutely fell in love with Trey and Tylar. So much so I had to read all the books back to back. I was a bit surprised when Andrea condensed them as I felt the originals were fine as they were, although they were really long, they didn’t read long so I was worried that some of that magic may have disappeared, but I had no reason to worry! I could tell that it had been stripped but it didn’t detract from the story at all.

Tylar Preston had a very rough upbringing, her mother was awful, her father was absent and she was dealt a tough deck of cards. This only made Tylar more resilient and determined not to become the woman her mother was.

“I have a shitty mother, so what? A lot of kids grow up with shitty mothers and absent fathers. I guess we can’t all be brought up with perfect parents, perfect educations, and perfect lives! Some of us simply do the best we can with the cards we’re dealt!”

Tylar takes a summer job at “Sinclair Stables”, she is a college student and is doing really well for herself, she is excited with this job as she absolutely adores horses, so this is going to be a summer spent doing what she loves rather than feeling like work. It is while working at the stables Tylar comes across Trey Sinclair (swoon)!!

Trey Sinclair is one alpha male, he is a very successful businessman in his own right, he is gorgeous, super sexy, a tad arrogant and everyone is scared of him! Why I ask myself?? He is a pussycat really!! The stables belong to his parents but he is keeping an eye on things for them during the summer.

When Trey and Tylar come face to face for the first time, both are taken aback by the instant attraction. It is not acted upon immediately, so no real instalust, but you feel the build up. The sexual chemistry is scorching, it radiates off the page. Trey is a stranger to these feelings and never thought he would be in this position. It takes him a while to compute, but once his mind catches up to his nether regions, the book just heats up a few more notches. Seriously, Andrea Smith can write CHEMISTRY!!I absolutely loved this couple and was willing them along from start to finish.
"Tylar, I want to make love to you more than anything that I've ever wanted. You understand that, right?"
"Finally, and this part's a deal breaker. Once we do this, you're mine, do you understand?"

This book takes us on the voyage of discovery of their relationship, it has many ups and downs and twists and turns, but is a fabulous read. Tylar was a bit immature in the beginning and could be frustrating at times, but by the middle she somewhat came into her own and new Tylar was born. A lot of her insecurities and worries stem from her childhood and whilst you feel sorry for her I just wanted her to realise her future was hers for the making and taking, not determined by her past. Once she had her “Eureka” moment she became a totally different and loveable character. I cannot gush enough about Trey in this as I said before super hot and super alpha, but you did get to see his softer side during this book, he may be Mr Dominating but he had a serious weak spot for Tylar and it was lovely to read. I could feel their passion, at times I lived it…it was seriously that good.

In summary this is a fab story about romance, hot sexy times, suspense and what I hope is a “forever” kind of love. It is a wonderful journey that you could tell was written from the heart and with passion. I love Andrea Smith’s writing, have read all her books and have never been disappointed, she sure knows how to write a great story! They are captivating reads that you cannot put down, her characters become friends and you just get swept away. Totally loved it!

Book 2 - Baby Love 'Lite'

Book Description:

This second volume in the series finds Trey and Tylar the proud parents of a child. They are in love and their relationship is blossoming, but soon Tylar discovers that her nightmarish past will continue to haunt and threaten her new found happiness with her family. She fears for the safety of her baby and the sanity of herself.

There are many surprises in store not only for Trey and Tylar; but for Gina (Ty’s friend) and Tristan (Trey’s brother) as well. Will the love and intimacy they share be enough to bond them even closer or will their pasts tear them apart?

“I’d never felt this kind of love before. It was a different kind of love than what I had for Trey. It’d been so immediate and so strong from the beginning. It was so unconditional, this baby love.”

This is the continuation of the love story that is Trey and Tylar. Now the proud parents of baby Preston their lives have changed and will never be the same again. Preston has made such an impression on them and their lives, their relationship is still on the up and the love between them is seriously infectious.

Now that Tylar is a parent herself and she has experienced the overwhelming love you have for a child she cannot help but wonder what went wrong with her own life and her own mother. She had never had that relationship with her mother.

“I thought about my mother and wondered why she’d never felt that “baby love” for me.”

They also have to deal with the changes within their relationship now that Preston is here, Tylar sometimes fears she is failing as any new mother does but Trey is always there to lift her spirits and keep her on the straight and narrow.

“Sweetie, you’ve not neglected me at all, okay? I’m so proud of what a great mother you are to our baby; you’re going to be a fantastic wife and lover to me as well. This is all new to you, sweetie…I feel like I’ve expected too much from you. I’m sorry, really sorry. I’ve been selfish, I know.”

After digging deeper into her history Tylar discovers some really disturbing things about her past and her situation suddenly becomes a lot more clearer. Things that have happened in the past suddenly have a lot more clarity and whilst it still does not excuse what happened at least she gets a sense of understanding, the benefit of this is that this brings somebody new into Tylars life. I for one was so glad that she got the opportunity.

This book is one amazing roller coaster ride, as usual intertwined with the love and smexy times that we love and associate with Andrea Smith, we have kidnappings, murders, angst, suspense, twists and turns, ups and downs, round and rounds, it was a lot to take in but it kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat at ALL times! This was one seriously mad crazy train! I would go into detail but I don’t want to spoil it for you so am keeping my lips zipped, but you will just have to read for yourselves, you will not be disappointed.

In this book I loved that we got closer to other characters, in particular Tristan and Gina. I can’t wait to read more about them going forward. I have absolutely loved the Sinclair family, as you are reading you feel like one of them and can’t help but be drawn into their little family unit.

I can’t leave out my man, actually “the man” Trey Sinclair, have I said I absolutely adore this man…he is LUSH!! I love their relationship so much, you can’t help but feel the love oozing off the page.

“I want to make love to you, baby,” he whispered against my lips. “What if I want to f**k?” I teased. “I’m fairly certain that we can accommodate both, Mrs Sinclair.”

Can’t wait for the next one, totally in love with this series. Fab job Andrea Smith!!

Book 3 - Be My Baby 'Lite'

Book Description:

It has been a mostly bumpy road thus far, but they have always managed to find the strength they needed in each other... however, their relationship will soon be put to the ultimate test.

Trey and Tylar will discover that there are those who are willing to destroy the loving relationship they have by death or at the very least, infidelity. Their love and commitment to each other is put to a tragic test. Will they be able to survive the unexpected hardship that befalls them? Will the strength of their love, the depth of their commitment to each other and the ability to forgive draw them ever closer or break them apart forever?

“That’s when I knew I loved you, Tylar. That’s when I knew I wanted you to be my baby forever. I didn’t even know you but I loved you – crazy stuff huh?”

I am sad, so very sad, Tylar and Treys story is finished and I don’t want it to be!! I want to read about them forever!! I have loved this couple from the get go and it always puts me on a downer when it finishes..I may have to bribe Andrea to write more…I am not ready for my, yes MY Trey to leave me just yet!!

This is by far the best one of the series and boy did Andrea put us through the wringer to get to the end of their story. I cried a lot in this book, those heart wrenching guttural tears, I couldn’t believe what I was reading at times.

Everything is running smoothly in the beginning and then wham, it all goes tits up! Suffice to say, both Trey and Tylar made mistakes in this book. I could have screamed…in fact I think I did, several times.

Both Gina and Tylar now have their babies and Tylar is pregnant again, she has a tough pregnancy this time and this puts her through the mill both physically and emotionally, add to that pregnancy hormones and we have an unhappy Tylar.

This book is extremely intense, we have love, loss, grief, forgiveness, enough angst to sink a battleship but once again an extremely engaging story. Another one that I could not put down! Just when you think that all is happy in the world something else happens and you are left reeling, will this couple get their HEA? After everything they have been through you just want them to be happy and have that perfect little family.

We all deal with things differently and this is shown throughout this book, but this is what makes the story all the more believable. We finally see that Trey and Tylar do not have the perfect relationship, whilst it was hard to read about, again it was real. The good thing being is that they both fought for it, but not before putting me through the wringer to get there.

“I love you Trey,” I said as I met his gentle thrusting with my own. “It’s always been you and only you.” I buried my face against his shoulder; tears ran down my cheeks as he continued to pleasure me with his body. He pulled back from me; his lips captured my tears as his sapphire blue eyes looked into my soul. “I love you, Tylar,” he said huskily.

Despite the heavy storylines and the emotional and mental turmoil that you go through whilst reading this book, Andrea has still given us the usual romance, love and smexy times interspersed throughout all that “heavy stuff.”

I originally read the full length version of this series so I will leave you with my comments I made after finishing this the first time as I feel that truly reflects my emotional fragility at the time.

Loved Loved Loved it...what an ending and I am so upset that this has finished :-( I love Trey and Tylar and would love to read more about them, I could read on and on and on...well this book started as it meant to go on 6% in I am sobbing...those big guttural sobs....30% I am screaming NOOOOOOOOOOO about 90% in more guttural sobbing....I am an official emotional wreck after devouring this book... the course of true love never runs smooth and for Trey and Tylar nothing changes, but the chemistry between them is palpable and I so wanted my HEA for them, for me, for my heart and for my emotional wellbeing!! I will not give a detailed storyline as it needs to be read to be believed but I thoroughly enjoyed this last instalment and I am devastated that there will be no more....unless I can blackmail Andrea Smith into carrying on........hmmmmmmmm.

And there you have it…go read and devour this series, you are in for one hell of a ride but it is a truly brilliant series!

I love you, Trey

I love you, Tylar

Gonna miss you, Trey

Gonna miss you, Tylar

OMG seriously, the series has finished!!!!! Noooooooo, I need more…

Book 3.5 ~ Baby Come Back 'Lite'

Book Description:

‘Baby Come Back Lite’ is the final installment in the 'Baby Series Lite'. This novella follows Trey’s brother Tristan and Ty’s best friend Gina. It is written from Gina's point of view, providing insight into her past and secrets that she has shared with no one.

Unfortunately, events unfold which force Gina to come to terms with unresolved issues from her past that have hindered her ability to love and trust unconditionally. Tristan also has something to share with Gina as their relationship reaches a new level.

This story overlaps with ‘Baby Love Lite’ (book 2) and ‘Be My Baby Lite’ (book 3). It mainly focuses on the events of Gina and Tristan, but manages to shed light and further clarify Trey and Ty’s story, wrapping up the series about the Sinclair’s.

“It seemed like there was always someone nearby wanting to piss on my cornflakes.”

I loved seeing the background into the enigma that was Gina. We didn’t really understand her through books 2 and 3 and this novella is where all the blanks are filled in.

We eventually get to hear her back story and at times it is not pleasant but it does go some way into making you understand why she is who she is. It is just up to Tristan now to help her forget and heal. During this story, despite the ups and downs you get to see that he is doing a really good job of it by the end!!

It was great to be reminded of the goings on that happened in books 2 and 3 from a different perspective, although these were not in depth you still got the opinions and it was intriguing to say the least. Gina is quite a complex character and it was great to understand her train of thought behind some of the things she did and said in the previous books.

Tristan is totally adorable, (although he doesn’t hold a candle to my Trey) it does take him time to sit back and digest and think things through but once he has dealt with things mentally he just throws himself back into the ring and deals, conquers and saves!

“That would mean it was truly over and it couldn’t be. My mind was screaming, “Baby Come Back!”.”

This was a great wrap to the series and I loved the epilogue, we still got to see glimpses of Trey and Tylar and the others which made my day. I think this story needed to be told and was glad that Andrea did. It made me understand Gina so much more and I can now actually relate to her, whereas before that was always a bit difficult.

I actually would have liked to read a bit more on these two, I felt some things were introduced and finished a bit too quick and so for that reason I have given it a 3.5 but I have loved this series so much. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you read the full version or the Lite version you will not be disappointed especially if you are a sucker from romance books like I am.

Andrea Smith is an Ohio native, currently residing in southern Ohio. Ms. Smith is the mother of
two grown sons; grandmother of four. The 'Baby Series' trilogy is Ms. Smith's first self-
published work. Having previously been employed as an executive for a global corporation, Ms.
Smith decided to leave the corporate world and pursue her life-long dream of writing fiction.

Favorite Quote: "You'll have to forgive me for speaking my mind, but I happen to believe that's
what it's for."~Lauren Bacall

“Whether it came down to nature or God, people are what they are, and it’s never wrong. Nature is not wrong. Nature is one certainty, the one truth that is visible to people, and he hung onto that.”

My oh my, I absolutely adored this book, I have been reading a lot of the M/M genre recently, as it was so kindly pointed out my repertoire was severely lacking if I had not at least had a dabble and I must say, I am getting hooked!!

This is the story of Mattie and Simon. I was hooked the minute I read the prologue, I love an agonising prologue, but this just pulls you right in and as you are reading the story you can’t help but wonder how the prologue ties in to the story as it is all going so well. Then bam! There you have it, you can’t quite believe it but you did just read it on the page and your heart breaks, well mine did, several times throughout this story!

Simon is a successful writer, but deep down he is really very lonely. His life was turned upside down when his sister died and left him with her little baby Jamie. Simon adopted him and began to bring him up as his own, his long term partner could not hack being “a family” and left when it became apparent that Jamie had problems, it turned out he was autistic. So Simon has been a single parent family for years, Jamie is such an adorable little boy though, yes he has his issues but he makes up for it in spades, the little boy is totally infectious and you cannot help but fall in love with him during this book. Simon’s life revolves around Jamie and as such he has found a little coffee shop near Jamie’s school, where he can go and have breakfast, have his coffee and write. He stays there all day till it is time to pick Jamie up from school. This is where Simon meets Mattie.

“People who loved you, people who chose you, who made you their family and made you belong, they’re the ones that you have to hold onto with everything you have.”

Mattie, totally ADORABLE!! He has issues, lots of issues, he fell through the system as a child, he could not read or write and has been working to fund earning his GED through college even though he is in his 20’s, he is determined to make himself a better person. He is a talented artist and needs his GED to get into Art School in New York, this is his one life’s ambition. He barely makes ends meet as it is as the sandwich maker in the café that Simon frequents daily, he often goes without food and art supplies in order to pay his rent but he has other ways of making up the deficit and it is not pretty. He is basically a male prostitute with a difference, he does not have sex, he just does blow jobs as long as it is covered up!

“Confession time…I am insanely attracted to you.”

Ty, what an amazing best friend to Mattie, he was so supportive and only had his best friends interests at heart, even if that made him a meddling so and so sometimes, but the line of the book came from him, he had me in hysterics!

“He was looking because he thinks you’re hot. I’m losing masculine points by the second here”

If you want hot sex scenes this is not necessarily the book for you although there is a bit in there, this story concentrates on the emotional and relationship side. It is breathtakingly beautiful. This book shows you the highs and lows of bringing up a child single handed with autism, the struggles of being illiterate and trying to make something of yourself, falling in love, fighting for that love, struggling with that love, giving up that love and getting it back. It is a roller coaster of emotions and I felt every single one.

“This is me, telling you that you are still the guy I tell my secrets to…you always will be.”

I loved Simon and Jamie with a passion, he does make some ridiculous choices but I could understand why, but it didn’t make them any easier to read about. I adored Mattie, he had been through so much, yet he was still selfless. He gave everything and Jamie adored him, hurdle number 1 complete but will it be enough? Can Simon overcome Mattie’s lifestyle choices, can Mattie let Simon in enough to help or will pride get in the way, can Simon let Mattie into the little bubble that Simon calls his and Jamie’s life?

“I didn’t do anything with him because of you. I’m f**king broke and can’t pay my rent, but I turned down free cash because it felt disrespectful to you.” He took another shuddering breath. “F**k you, Simon.”

You will go through a plethora of emotions whilst reading this book, sadness, happiness, anger, you will laugh and you will cry but you will feel better for reading it. I totally connected with all the characters, Jamie was the star of the book for me, that little kid could have asked me for anything and I would have said yes! As Mattie said, Jamie is…

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

“To the nights you’ll never remember with the people you’ll never forget.”

That Wedding is the sequel to That Boy, whilst That Boy covered the 22 year life span of Jadyn, Phillip and Danny, this book covers just a few short months of hilarious wedding planning and “That Wedding”. It may be a few short months, but this book is packed, I absolutely loved it, I have laughed so much reading this book. Having not long got married myself I could really associate with Jadyn during this book, I knew her pain, I felt her pain and I lived it with her. She picked the same colour theme as me so we are now officially BFF’s lol.

As with any Jillian Dodd book, there are highs and lows, there is some angst, some misunderstandings, but we all know wedding planning is strenuous, at least I thought so!!

My highlight of the book STD’s, you will know when you get there. I absolutely howled with laughter, in fact I laughed so much, my husband woke up and thought I was being attacked! Jillian, that was pure genius!!

Phillip just gets better and better in this book, before he was always seen as the quiet and reserved one just biding his time until he could unleash, well in this book, he unleashed. We got the smoking hot Phillip and he really changed in my eyes. I loved him even more. I will say that there is no gratuitous sex scenes in this book, it is clean, you have to use your imagination, but the implication is there! Phillip was so understanding with Jadyn, he knew what to do and when to do it and what to say and when, he was her true soul mate, he grounded her and he was absolutely PERFECT! I loved “hiberdating” this is going to be used in the future!! The cold/warm feet analogy, also loved…sigh! Even feet means they are perfect for each other!

“That’s why we are perfect for each other. Mine are always hot. Yours are always cold. You cool mine down. I warm yours up. Together they make the perfect temperature.”

“So I actually do something that helps you?”

“You make me a better man, Princess. That’s why I wanna marry you.”

“Really?”

He pulls me in close and kisses me. “Really.”

Jadyn, well she is just Jadyn, sometimes I could have kicked her and told her to wise up, but I could understand her. I must admit I didn’t agree with some of the things she did and said but she was having a meltdown at the time, so I forgave her. The couples counselling was hilarious, thank god I never had to go through that!

“That I love you. Promise me that no matter what, no matter if we fight, no matter how hopeless things may feel, that you will look at this ring and know that when you love someone, that’s all that really matters. That we’ll always figure it out together.”

Danny, I still love this guy with a passion, his and Jadyn’s tects about a “XXX Wedding” had me howling, his sense of humour just has me cracking up, I still feel there is some underlying sexual tension between these two but neither will act on it. They truly are BFF’s and their friendship is absolutely brilliant. I love that these two still have that connection.

I also think that Jillian has another career lined up as a wedding planner, the attention to detail in this book was AMAZING! If only I had read this a few months earlier I could have so used some of the little things that happened in “That Wedding.” Hell, I could have even hounded her for ideas and inspiration!! The wedding dress shopping had me laughing, the gifts were so well thought out, the venue (sigh!), the vows, I could go on and on, but Jillian put soooo much detail into this that you could picture it!

“This dress looks like something designed by Cinderella, Barbie and Lady Gaga while they were getting high on mushrooms, or crack, or whatever drug makes people hallucinate.”

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

"In all seriousness, I know there are large, really important issues in the world. World peace, terrorism, nuclear arms and global warming. But honestly, finding the perfect swimsuit has got to be at the very tip top of most women’s lists, regardless of race, political or sexual orientation. So in finding this perfect bikini, I really feel I’ve done my part to help conquer this great world issue."

I LOVED That Boy!! As I always say I life my life vicariously through Jillian Dodd, her books always transport me back to my days at school and whereas I was the nerdy kid that had no friends, I can pretend that I was once a popular girl, lived the life and got the boy at the end. Why did I wait so longggg to read this series?? I keep asking myself that question..I have had them downloaded for ages but got so immersed in Jillian’s other series the Keatyn Chronicles I just forgot. Then on holiday, stuck for something to read and I thought I know, I’ll read these and what I treat I had.

That Boy tells the story of JJ Reynolds (Jadyn), Phillip Mackenzie and Danny Diamond. JJ and Phillip were born around the same time, their parents were best friends and they grew up together, they were best friends, they were soul mates. Their friendship was put to the test early on when a new boy (Danny) moved in and tried to muscle his way in between them. JJ soon put him right that girls could be BFF’s with boys and after Danny got a punch in the mouth from JJ, the formidable trio was born. JJ, Phillip and Danny did everything together, JJ was one of the lads, she preferred sports, was good at it and loved it. The boys treated her as one of them and she truly was a lads girl.

JJ - "I’m gonna show That Boy that anything boys can do, girls can do better."…JJ - "I want to play football with you guys, okay?"…Danny – "No way. She’ll just end up getting hurt and go bawling home."..."Girls aren’t tough enough to play football."I look that devil boy in the eye… I cock my arm back and punch That Boy right in the stomach. Then I move in closer and give him a jab to the face…he falls onto his butt in the grass…the corner of his lip is bleeding a bit…Finally he says "You know what? You just might be tough enough to play football."I have to say that I think we both learned a lesson today. He learned that all girls aren’t prissy wimps and I learned he just might not be the Devil after all. The THREE of us have been best friends ever since.

The chemistry between all three of them is amazing, you could feel their friendship, you lived their friendship, you actually became their friend. The conversations between JJ and Danny had me in hysterics, these two together are dynamite. I do believe that Jillian made the right choice with who JJ ended up with as the other scenario would have been fireworks and not in a good way.

So, That Boy, what can I say?? I laughed, I loved, I cried and I loved a whole lot more. This book covers JJ’s whole life from the time she was born to when she gets engaged, it explores the trials and tribulations of being a girl at school, learning to kiss, dating, friendships, soul mates, love, eureka moments and most of all That Boy! And boy is That Boy good!!

Having two boys as best friends does have its plus side, JJ was well protected, she was the envy of most of the school but most of all they grounded her. She could share her wild and wacky side with Danny but Phillip was always there to reign her in when things went a bit OTT. Whenever she was sad or mad, one or both would be there, whenever she was in trouble invariably Phillip would always be there. All three of them were as tight as they came and there was nothing coming between them, especially no girls or boys for that matter!! If a boyfriend or girlfriend had a problem with their friendship they were history, it really was bro’s before hoes!

The blurb, sums this book up beautifully:-

You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits. There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.One boy will give me my very first kiss.One boy will teach me to make out.One boy will take me to prom.And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.They will both be my best friends.But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.Only one of them is That Boy.

As always Jillian’s writing style is extremely fun, it is witty, a little bit quirky, but it is infectious, you will get drawn into That Boy’s little bubble and you won’t want it to finish, thank god I had the next book in the series lined up ready to read.

A few quick notes on the characters:_

JJ aka Princess aka Jadyn – she is funny, she is protective of her boys, she is headstrong, she knows what she wants and she gets it, she has the boys wrapped round her little finger and knows it and her sense of humour is off the charts!

Danny Diamond – smoking hot, loveable rogue, he was soooo not the devil, or maybe just the devil in disguise? But seriously, he is adorable, he is charming, he is romantic and he is a football player and a really good one to boot, what is there not to like!! Candle lighting ceremony (sigh!!)

Phillip Mackenzie – Awww he is just perfect (sigh!!!) He truly was JJ’s soul mate, he would do anything for her, he was her knight in shining armour, their nightly phone calls, their cuddles on sleep overs, their somewhat telepathic connection, he too was smoking hot, he was protective, he was never afraid of letting his feelings show, he was just awesomesauce!! Scavenger hunt (sigh!!!)

I just totally LOVED this book and I cannot wait to get stuck into That Wedding!!

Monday, 23 September 2013

“So, Rule Number One, apparently, was that he wasn’t allowed to crack a smile during foreplay. “Got it,”…..

This is going to be one of those series that I cannot put down. I was so tempted to download all of them after I had finished this but I knew that if I did I wouldn’t get anything else read. So I will pace myself.

I am an avid fan of FBI drama’s and CSI and all that, so this did combine my favourite TV programmes with my avid love of reading. It is highly concentrated on the crime aspect so if this is not your type of book then this may not be the one for you.

During this book the foundations are laid for the two main characters Ty and Zane and yes this is another M/M read. From what I understand their relationship develops over the course of the series so in this book, there are some “sexy” times but not a lot.

Ty and Zane are two FBI agents, both are “bad” boys but are extremely good at their jobs, so their unorthodox methods are often overlooked as they always get the results. Zane is trying hard to clean up his act so when he is thrown together with Ty he is less than impressed. Zane comes across as the neat freak, he is calm, ethical, logical and extremely well presented. Ty on the other hand is scruffy, dishevelled, cocky, argumentative and a bit of a ladies man. Together they look like complete opposites but as the story unravels you see that they are more alike than they think and you know what they say about opposites!!

They are put on a really testing serial murder case, the FBI suspect an insider and it is up to Ty and Zane to go in and figure it out. The FBI and police on the case will just see the two of them for their outside appearances and think that their presence is not that important and that the powers that be are not taking it seriously. However, the respect that these two have is a closely guarded secret and in fact the powers that be have indeed taken this extremely seriously.

The constant banter between these two at times is hilarious, you can see the relationship building, you can sense the underlying sexual tension between them but as Zane was married and Ty is always chasing “ass” you cannot see how this can change. Slowly but surely throughout the book, you see the tide change and you are rooting for them both.

“I’ve never made fun of you,” Ty responded instantly. “Making fun of you would imply that something about you is fun.”

When they do eventually give in to their mutual attraction it is hot, it is extremely feral, they have been in like a mating dance for what seems forever and once that attraction is unleashed it makes for some seriously hot scenes. Totally combustible kindle scenes!! There are also some extremely tender moments between them, whilst they are both alpha males, they both show their emotional sides. One of the most tender moments between the two that has permanently imprinted was the way they both tended to each other after being injured, it was truly beautiful.

“I didn’t care about anybody, even myself. And when I did…” Zane’s jaw clenched, and he kept his eyes focused on the window. Anything but on the man sitting across from him. “I let him walk away.”

There are a lot of ups and downs with the case and they are both put in extreme danger. I loved the crime side of this and ate it up. I thought I knew where it was going and had totally got it wrong. Loved the way the plot developed and was on tenterhooks throughout. I cannot wait to read more about these two, especially now that the foundations have been laid. I think that a new dynamic duo has been created and I can’t wait to read about their exploits going forward. I think that I have just jumped on the Ty and Zane crazy train and I will not be jumping off until the end!!

Sunday, 22 September 2013

I had been eagerly awaiting the conclusion to Sebastian and Sophia’s story and I was not disappointed! Unlocked is the last in The Alpha Group trilogy and the story picks up straight after the dramatic cliff hanger that we were left with at the end of Lockout. Sophia had been kidnapped and she is locked away, she doesn’t know if anybody realises she is missing especially as her and Sebastian had split up just before! She tries to make the best out of a bad situation but this time in confinement gives her time to think.

During this story, we find out a lot about The Alpha Group and Sebastian’s role within it, you would think that a group as powerful as this would be able to contain any problem that was thrown at it, but alas, no. This is made extremely difficult when it soon becomes apparent that there is a mole in the group and now nobody knows who to trust. The whole group is thrown into disarray and Sebastian and Sophia feel totally alone. Although, this may prove to be a good thing, eventually!

“We’re in this together, Sebastian. Whatever happens.” He stared at me for a full 10 seconds, somehow managing to look touched yet incredibly anxious. Eventually, though, he broke into a sad little smile. “Together it is, then,” he said softly, reaching out to squeeze my hand. And somehow it felt like an incredibly tender moment, instead of an insane suicide pact. Yep, definitely desensitised.

Whilst trying to keep themselves alive Sebastian and Sophia really have time to re-evaluate their relationship, finally we see why Sebastian has been holding back and his reasoning behind his decisions. Will he finally realise that the only person that he can truly trust is sitting right before him and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep them together?

“Do you remember what you said to me over dinner, the first time we went out?” I asked eventually. “Nothing worth having comes risk free.’ Well. That’s how I feel now.” I got to my feet and moved over to him, taking his hands in mine. “I’m a big girl. I can make my own decisions. I understand the risks, and I’m telling you I’m okay with them. I love you, Sebastian, and if that’s the price for being with you, then it’s one I’m willing to pay. The question is, are you?”

As always, Maya writes some steaming hot scenes in this book. Sebastian is still Alpha by name and alpha by nature, however, there are not as many scenes in this book as we are used to. This is mainly because this final book centres around the plot of the Alpha Group and they literally do not have time for any of those shenanigans !! As I said before, they are mainly trying to keep themselves alive!

….allowing him to sheathe himself in me all the way to the root. Finally he pulled away, only to bury his head against my neck. “Say it again,” he whispered, teasing me with a slow rocking motion. “I love you,” I breathed. “And I love you,” he replied. And then he was moving in me again, his mouth tracing fire across my collarbone…

We see a whole new side to Sebastian in this book, he is loving, he is extremely protective and he opens up a lot. If you didn’t love the man of mystery before, you sure will now! Sophia, really develops too in this book. She has her back bone, she uses it, she steps up to plate and is literally Sebastian’s right hand woman throughout this book. You can see their relationship getting stronger and stronger and you cannot help but root for them throughout the book. They also have an amazing connection to, not just physically but mentally too. It is this connection that amazingly gets them through some really tricky situations but will they both be standing at the end?

I have loved this series, a mixture of steamy romance, with mystery, danger, twists and turns, ups and down’s and a fabulous plot that will keep you guessing and page turning till the end. This book also has an epilogue, and I am really love them so you will not be disappointed with the end. I cannot wait to see what Maya has in store for us next!

I nodded. “Thought so. I had a crush on our high school quarterback.” I cocked my head. “He looked a little like you, but not as tall,” I said, letting my eyes wander down his body.

His hand twitched, and he quickly crossed his arms tighter. “What are you doing?”

I lightly lifted my right shoulder, staring him down. “What?”

“You’re flirting with me, even though you asked me to back off. Just like on the roof the other day.” He stopped, and I blinked at him a few times, unsure of what he’d say next. “Olivia, I’ll put on a show in front of your friends, at your work, whenever we’re in public. But I’m growing tired of pretending when we’re alone. Don’t tempt me,” he warned.

Determined to move on with her life, Olivia Germaine has vowed to forget David Dylan. Struggling to keep her head above water, she focuses on her new promotion and refuses to drown in the memory of their night together.

But when Olivia realizes what life without David means, she must decide if she is willing to risk everything for him . . . and if she is ready to reopen the wounds of her past.

Can Olivia move forward with her marriage despite her feelings for David?

With a single decision, Olivia Germaine’s fantasy has become a reality. Now she is faced with two commitments: one she must make and one she must break. But in order to accept a love she never thought possible, Olivia will have to let go of the broken past that defines her - and of deeply-rooted fears that could ruin everything.

Everything is what David Dylan wants to give her, and it’s what he wants in return. He must prove to Olivia that despite his playboy ways, he’s worth leaving behind the stable future her husband can offer her. David is a man who always gets what he wants . . . but this time he may be fighting for something unattainable.

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. Some of her favorite things include traveling, her dog Kimo, Scrabble, driving aimlessly and creating Top Five lists. She is the helpless victim of an overactive imagination that finds inspiration in music and tranquility in writing. Currently she resides wherever her head lands, which lately is the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

Friday, 20 September 2013

Reviewed by Shirley ~ 5 StarsThis is a story I very much enjoyed. It is so erotic, sexy and witty as well. It has three main characters:-

Olivia, a physiotherapy nurse

Roberto a hotel owner, who happens to be a vampire

and Alexander also a hotel and casino owner, who also happens to be a vampire

The book is set in Atlantic City.

Olivia and her best friend Janel came to the city to have an all out girlie weekend, let your hair down and party, oh and Janel was hoping for some great sex along the way!!

Olivia is the more introverted of the two, coming out of a broken marriage she has just come along more for a break than anything and to spend some time with her friend. She has also been having strange feelings and feels that she can almost smell death, so she feels that the break will do her good. Whilst they were booking into the hotel, that is when all the fun starts.

Firstly, Olivia bumps into Alex, Alexander a 6 foot, blonde, green eyed, very sexy, very handsome man and then across the foyer his companion Roberto over 6 foot, black haired, blue eyed and oh so sexual looking man with a dangerous aura about him…phew!!

The friends get talking to these men and accept their invitation to dinner and whilst at dinner all hell lets loose and the men whisk the women away. When outside the hotel, Alex takes Olivia into an embrace and kisses her deeply and Olivia finds herself acting totally out of character, almost jumping the mans bones in public until cold water is poured over them, literally!!

“Oh my God, what was I doing?”

Olivia thought to herself, feeling highly embarrassed!!

Roberto takes the girls back to his penthouse suite giving the girls separate bedrooms. Whilst showing Olivia hers, she looks at him, feeling totally turned on. Lust oozes out of him and his kiss was so hot and hard Olivia totally flipped out and swung her legs around his waist.

“Ohhh my God, that feels so good.” She moaned when his erection rubbed against her throbbing clit through the thin cotton of her panties.

Just as it was starting to get interesting her friend Janel interrupts them and Roberto departs.Olivia is thinking to herself what the hell is wrong with me. Two men she has virtually given herself to on the same night.

More adventure comes along all the while this attraction between Roberto and Olivia is getting stronger and stronger, smoking in fact!!

“He pulled my jeans down to the huge bulge in his jeans “You make me so hot and hard. I want to be inside you.”

And Olivia “My God Roberto, I feel out of control, I need you inside me now”

The adventure goes on and the steamy oh so erotic attraction between Roberto and Olivia is dynamite, but in the mix is Alex wanting more from Olivia.

He said in a husky voice “but be warned, baby. I am NOT giving up on us, I want you. My body wants you so badly, just the sight of you makes my blood boil and my cock hard.”

With Olivia’s life getting very complicated and finding out about herself along the way this is really a very good read and could even get you very HOT HOT HOT.

But is everything with Olivia as it seems?? You will just have to read and find out! I would like to say a lot more about this book, but it would really give too much away. Therefore, it is up to you, the reader to download and read, you will not be disappointed!!

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